Starbucks to hire 7,500 staff
The coffee chain plans to open 500 new stores across the UK by 2031, focusing on the Midlands, north of England, Wales, and Scotland
Starbucks is set to hire 7,500 new baristas over the next five years as part of a major expansion plan in the UK. The hiring spree will focus on the Midlands, north of England, Wales, and Scotland, with the aim of staffing 500 new coffee shops across the country by 2031.
The company currently employs more than 18,000 people in the UK and is looking to increase its presence in the region. The expansion plan comes after Starbucks shut dozens of underperforming outlets in Britain last year as part of a $1bn (£750m) global restructuring.
According to Darren King, who runs Starbucks UK, the company is focused on helping young people into entry-level roles. This move is particularly significant given the current state of youth employment in the UK, with the number of young people not in education, employment or training (Neets) hitting a record high above 1 million at the start of the year.
The UK job market has also seen a decline in recent months, with the number of people taking up permanent jobs falling for the first time in four months, according to the latest jobs report from KPMG and the Recruitment & Employment Confederation. Recruitment for temporary roles also fell, for the first time since March.
## Why it matters The Starbucks expansion plan is a boost to the UK job market, particularly for young people. With the company's focus on entry-level roles, it provides opportunities for those looking to enter the workforce. The move also highlights the company's commitment to growth in the region, with a focus on the Midlands, north of England, Wales, and Scotland.
The expansion plan is also significant given the current economic climate, with UK employers cutting back on hiring amid worries about rising costs and the outlook for the British economy. The Starbucks move is a positive step towards addressing the issue of youth unemployment and providing opportunities for growth in the region.
## What happens next The hiring process for the 7,500 new baristas is expected to take place over the next five years, with the company aiming to open 500 new coffee shops by 2031. As the company moves forward with its expansion plan, it will be interesting to see how it impacts the UK job market and the economy as a whole.
